Faldo buys Irish island to build golf course
Champion golfer Nick Faldo was attacked by nature lovers today after he bought an island off the coast of Co Mayo.
The former world number one plans to turn Bartragh Island into what he claims could be the “most unique” golf links course in the world.
Environment agency An Taisce claimed the move could have a serious impact on the area’s wildlife.
Heritage officer Ian Lumley said: “It is one of the few really ecological areas of the country.
“There is very little evidence of human life there and it is one of the few areas that the birds and wildlife have to themselves.
“It is a shame that such a pristine area will be used when the area is already amply supplied with golf courses.”
Golf course designer Faldo said in a statement he was very aware of the area’s special ecological status.
Bartragh Island consists of 360 acres of duneland nestling in Killala Bay.
It is bordered by the salmon-filled River Moy on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.
It was described by the golfer as the “most magical and extraordinary property” he had seen.
He said: “The golf links I envisage would be essentially hand-crafted, a return to how courses were created long ago.
“It is an incredible site and it would not be a case of building a course, so much as discovering it.
“It would be wonderful to restore the dilapidated Bartragh House and our plans would be appropriately low-key and extremely sensitive to the environment.”
The plans would only be finalised after consultation with Mayo County Council and groups in the surrounding area.
He added: “My goal is to draw from and enhance the island’s natural beauty. In doing so I want to create something that the local community will welcome, diversely benefit from and enjoy.”
A spokesman for Faldo said the golfer – who is also a keen fisherman – was a regular visitor to Ireland.
The move was welcomed by local member of parliament Michael Ring, who said it would be a great boost for Co Mayo.
The Fine Gael TD said: “It is wonderful to have Nick Faldo buying the island and having an interest in creating a golf course there.
“It would give a great boost to tourism in the region.”
He rejected the criticism from environmentalists, saying it was “typical” of An Taisce.
He added: “If they had their way all that would live there would be wildlife and birds.”
